The Jharkhand High Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the alleged custodial death of a minor boy in Latehar district and issued a notice to the state government, directing it to file a response on the matter.
A Division Bench led by Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay was hearing a petition filed by Savitri Devi, the mother of the deceased minor, who alleged that her son died after being brutally assaulted by police personnel at the Mahuatand Police Station in Latehar. The court treated the matter with urgency, noting the grave allegations involving both custodial violence and extortion.
According to the petition, the boy was taken into custody for interrogation in connection with a case but was allegedly beaten inside the police station, leading to his death. The plea further claims that officers at the Mahuatand Police Station demanded a bribe of ₹2.5 lakh for the boy’s release.
“The alleged death of a minor in police custody and the demand of a bribe by police officers is a serious matter which warrants judicial scrutiny,” the Bench observed during the hearing.
The court has sought a detailed affidavit from the state government, including explanations regarding the conduct of the officers involved and the measures being taken in response to the incident. The matter will be taken up again after the state files its response.
